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Opinion Contributor

Amid Congo’s horror, courage, hope

Robin Wright writes that she uses her celebrity to raise awareness of the conflict in Congo. | Courtesy

D.C. is similar to Hollywood in some ways. You meet with people in the hopes of getting to others, hoping that closer and closer to the centers of power, certain doors will open.

Since I got back from eastern Congo, I have pushed to open the doors to the policymakers who will make a difference there. I have met with top aides at the White House, State Department and on Capitol Hill, and earlier this year, I hand-delivered a petition to the White House, written by women in eastern Congo. There have been some great successes as the result of the activist movement for peace in eastern Congo that I am a part of, but much more needs to be done.

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Joining with Congolese women to advocate for peace is how, for me, the term “use your celebrity” first held meaning.

Celebrities have the ability to raise awareness for a cause, secure an important meeting and elevate the voices of the voiceless. We get to skip to the front of the line. One thing I can do is serve as a megaphone to amplify the voices of Congolese women, repeating the horrors many endure in Congo, and call for more action.

Progress has been significant and successes are blossoming in eastern Congo. Now more than ever, the U.S. government has the opportunity to ensure lasting peace. A U.N.-mediated peace process is needed, and President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry can increase the U.S. government’s diplomatic engagement to make sure all Congolese voices, like those of the women and young boys I met, are heard.

The bigger the movement calling for U.S. government involvement and increased transparency in Congo’s minerals sector, the better chance the Congolese people have for peace. To learn more, check out RaiseHopeforCongo.org.

Actress and activist Robin Wright tweets on her career, her life and human rights in Congo, @RealRobinWright.